The impact of simulated ankle plantarflexion contracture on the knee joint during stance phase of gait: a within-subject study.

Background: Ankle plantarflexion contractures are common in adults with neurological disorders and known to cause secondary gait deviations. However, their impact on the knee joint is not fully understood. The aims of this study are to describe the effect of simulated plantarflexion contractures on knee biomechanics during the stance phase and on the spatiotemporal characteristics of gait.